exercise

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

   the doctor recommended regular exercise

2. 2
   noun

   (usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches

   academic exercises

3. 3
   verb

   give a workout to

   Some parents exercise their infants

4. 4
   noun

   Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.

   The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.

5. 5
   noun

   Activity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness.

   I like to do my exercises every morning before breakfast. I do calisthenics for physical exercise, and I do crosswords for mental exercise.

6. 6
   noun

   A setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use.

   The law guarantees us the free exercise of our rights.

7. 7
   noun

   The performance of an office, ceremony, or duty.

   I assisted the ailing vicar in the exercise of his parish duties.

8. 8
   noun

   That which gives practice; a trial; a test.

   But patience is more oft the exerciſe / Of Saints, the trial of thir fortitude,

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰ Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰs Proto-Italic *eks Latin ex Latin ex- Proto-Indo-European *h₂erk-der. Proto-Italic *arkeō Latin arceō Latin exerceō Latin exercitiumder. Old French exercisebor. Middle English exercise English exercise From Middle English exercise, from Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium.